Recirculating water fountain

ABSTRACT

A recirculating water fountain configured for table/desk top use comprises a water reservoir, a plenum mounted above the reservoir and configured to accumulate a substantially still pool of water, and a pump operable to pump water upwardly from the reservoir to form the water pool in the plenum. The recirculating water fountain includes a visually open flow pathway sloping downward from beneath the plenum to receive water from a plenum overflow for return to the reservoir, and a controller for alternately defining a pump-on mode and a pump-off mode. The pump controller functions to define the pump-off mode in response to the water level in the reservoir falling below a first height mark and to prevent resumption of the pump-on mode until the water level in the reservoir exceeds a second height mark. The open flow pathway includes a first portion defining convex and concave surfaces which guide the sheet flow along a visually pleasing generally sinuous path, and a second downwardly sloping diverging ramp portion which is ridged to produce a visually pleasing rippling effect.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to a recirculating waterapparatus configured for table/desk top use in a home or office settingto provide pleasing and soothing visual and audible effects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As the pace of life continues to quicken, objects designed todraw one's attention to aesthetic pleasures and to nature becomeincreasingly important to a person's well-being. A recirculating waterfountain configured for table/desk top use in a home or office settingmay help draw one's attention to just such an object in an aestheticallypleasing manner and thus serve to reduce a user's stress level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is directed to an apparatus configured fortable/desk top use for recirculating a liquid, e.g., water, to produce avisual and audible display which is soothing and relaxing to a user.

[0004] A preferred apparatus in accordance with the invention utilizes aliquid reservoir, e.g., a tub, for containing a volume of water. Anelectric pump is mounted in the tub for pumping water up a substantiallyvertically oriented pipe to a plenum. The plenum is configured anddimensioned to pond the water, i.e., to form an essentially still waterpool. The plenum is constructed to overflow onto a visually open waterflow pathway which then returns the water flow to the tub.

[0005] In accordance with a significant aspect of the invention, anautomatic shut off subsystem is provided to prevent the pump fromrunning dry. A shut off subsystem in accordance with the inventionfunctions to sense the water level in the tub when the pump is running,(i.e., pump-on mode). If the “running” water level falls below a firstheight mark (typically attributable to evaporation), a controller shutsoff the pump. When the pump shuts off (i.e., pump-off mode), waterwithin the system, e.g., pipe, plenum, ramp, etc., drains back into thetub and raises the “non-running” water level above the first heightmark. In accordance with a significant aspect of the invention, thecontroller prevents resumption of pump operation until the water levelrises, e.g., by the user adding water, above a second height markgreater than the first height mark.

[0006] A preferred shut off subsystem embodiment utilizes at least oneswitch actuator in combination with first and second switches. Theswitch actuator, e.g., a magnet, is configured to float in thewater-filled tub. The first and second switches, e.g., reed switches,are respectively mounted proximate to the first and second height marksand are configured to respond to the proximity of the switch actuator.In operation, when the water level and the floating switch actuator dropbelow the first height mark, the first switch is triggered to turn offthe pump. After water is added to the tub to raise the water level andthe floating switch actuator above the second height mark, the secondswitch is triggered to enable pump operation to resume.

[0007] The aforementioned flow pathway is preferably configured to allowthe water overflow from the plenum to form an essentially thin sheet asit flows by way of gravity along the pathway toward the tub. The pathwaypreferably includes a first portion defining convex and concave surfaceswhich guide the sheet flow along a visually pleasing generally sinuouspath. The pathway preferably also includes a second portion comprising aramp surface which is preferably ridged to produce a rippling effect soas to produce desirable visual and audible water effects.

[0008] A preferred apparatus in accordance with the invention includes ahousing having wall portions extending peripherally around the tub andflow pathway. The wall portions extend above the tub and preferablyconverge upwardly to form a slender and attractive table/desk topaccessory. The interior housing wall portions are preferably sealed tothe tub to prevent leakage therebetween. The housing exterior ispreferably configured to display one or more decorative panels.

[0009] In accordance with a further aspect of a preferred embodiment,the sealed tub and housing include at least one peripheral windowenabling the liquid level in the tub to be viewed from outside thehousing.

[0010] In accordance with a still further aspect of a preferredembodiment, one or more illumination sources, e.g., LEDs, may be mountedin the tub, preferably below the water level, to produce a variety ofpleasing and colorful lighting effects. The flow pathway preferablyincludes at least one light transmissive portion enabling the lightingeffects to be seen from outside the housing. This and other aspects ofthe present invention will become apparent from a review of theaccompanying drawings and the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The invention is generally shown by way of example in theaccompanying drawings in which:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred recirculating liquidfountain in accordance with the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a front view of the recirculating liquid fountain ofFIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a left side view of the recirculating liquid fountain ofFIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a right side view of the recirculating liquid fountainof FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a rear view of the recirculating liquid fountain of FIG.1;

[0017]FIG. 6a is a bottom view of the recirculating liquid fountain ofFIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 6b is a top view of the recirculating liquid fountain of FIG.1;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a housing for therecirculating liquid fountain of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a back cover of the recirculatingliquid fountain of FIG. 1 adapted for coupling with the housing of FIG.7;

[0021]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a liquid reservoir (tub) of therecirculating liquid fountain of FIG. 1 adapted for mounting within thehousing of FIG. 7;

[0022]FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a tub seal for use with theliquid reservoir (tub) of the recirculating liquid fountain of FIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 11a is a top perspective view of a bottom cover of therecirculating liquid fountain of FIG. 1;

[0024]FIG. 11b is a perspective view of a drain cap for use with thebottom cover of FIG. 11a;

[0025]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a front ramp portion of therecirculating liquid fountain of FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a ramp window adapted forcoupling with the front ramp portion of the recirculating liquidfountain of FIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along theplane 14-14 of FIG. 1;

[0028]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along theplane 15-15 of FIG. 14;

[0029]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along theplane 16-16 of FIG. 14;

[0030]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along theplane 17-17 of FIG. 16;

[0031]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along theplane 18-18 of FIG. 16;

[0032]FIG. 19a is a front perspective view of a face plate for use withthe recirculating liquid fountain of FIG. 1;

[0033]FIG. 19b is a front perspective view of a plurality of decorativemembers for mounting onto the face plate of FIG. 19a;

[0034]FIG. 19c is a top perspective view of a bracket spring for use inmounting the decorative members of FIG. 20b onto the face plate of FIG.19a;

[0035]FIG. 19d is a top perspective view of a bracket for use inmounting one of the decorative members of FIG. 19b onto the face plateof FIG. 19a; and

[0036]FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a microprocessor based electronicmodule for use in the fountain of FIG. 1;

[0037]FIG. 21 is a flow chart depicting a pump shut off routine;

[0038]FIG. 22 is a diagram depicting a flicker lighting effect;

[0039]FIG. 23 is a diagram depicting exemplary LED on/off modulation toachieve a desired lighting effect; and

[0040]FIG. 24 is a flow chart depicting a flicker routine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Attention is initially directed to FIGS. 1-6 which illustrate apreferred recirculating liquid apparatus (fountain) 30 in accordancewith the present invention. The apparatus 30 is configured fortable/desk top use, typically in a home or office setting, for producinga visual and audible liquid flow display which is pleasing and relaxingto the user.

[0042] The preferred fountain apparatus 30 generally comprises areservoir (tub) 32 (FIGS. 9, 14) for accommodating a volume of liquidsuch as water, a removable plenum 34 (FIGS. 1-4, 14) mounted generallyabove reservoir 32 and adapted to accumulate a substantially stillliquid (water) pool 33 (FIG. 14), and a high efficiency submersiblewater pump 36 (FIGS. 14, 17) mounted within reservoir 32. The water pump36 is preferably selected to operate at an almost zero sound level.Plenum 34 is of a generally truncated inverted pyramidal shape to allowthe gradual increase in water volume as the water is pumped upward fromtub 32 so as to reduce turbulence and form a substantially still waterpool 33 (FIG. 14) in the plenum 34. Plenum 34 preferably includes a faceportion 49 defined by generally smooth surface having convex and concaveportions 43, 45, respectively, as generally depicted in FIG. 14. Waterpump 36 is selectively operable in a “pump-on” mode to pump waterupwardly from reservoir (tub) 32 via a pipe 37 (FIG. 14) to form thewater pool 33 in plenum 34. Specifically, pipe 37 is coupled between anoutlet port 35 of submersible pump 36 and an inlet port 41 of a centerbracket 47 configured to support plenum 34, as generally shown in FIG.14.

[0043] The recirculating water fountain 30 preferably includes avisually open flow pathway 38 which includes a first curved flow portion42 generally defined by the convex and concave plenum surfaces 43, 45,respectively, and a second ramp portion 46 sloping downward from beneathplenum 34, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, 14. The ramp portion 46 isdefined in part by a generally polygonal ramp window 106 made preferablyof a light transmissive material(s). Ramp window 106 may be removablymounted onto frame 108 of a generally elongate ramp support structure110 as shown in FIGS. 12-13. Ramp support structure 110 (FIG. 12)preferably mounts onto a front portion 83 of a housing 82 (FIG. 7) offountain 30 (FIG. 1) and includes a generally polygonal bottom rampportion 112 (FIG. 12) which further defines the second ramp flow portion46, as generally illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0044] Plenum 34 is adapted to overflow onto an upstream end 39 of theflow pathway 38 which returns the water flow by gravity to reservoir 32at a downstream end 40 of bottom ramp portion 112 (FIG. 12) as generallydepicted in FIG. 14. Pathway 38 is preferably configured to allow thewater overflow from plenum 34 to form an essentially thin sheet as itflows downward toward reservoir 32. Specifically, the plenum surfaces43, 45 exhibit convex and concave curvatures sufficiently shallow toguide a thin sheet flow along a visually pleasing and substantiallysmooth sinuous path. The ramp flow portion 46 is adapted to guide thethin sheet water flow along a generally diverging ridged path so as toproduce visually pleasing and soothing rippling/cascading effects, asdepicted in FIG. 14. Alternatively, first curved flow portion 42 may beprovided with a plurality of ridges and/or the ramp flow portion 46 maybe made smooth to produce a slightly different water display. Other flowpath variations may be utilized, provided such other variations do notdepart from the intended purpose of the present invention.

[0045] Housing 82 comprises a generally polyhedral base portion 88 (FIG.7) adapted to enclose snugly tub 32. Tub 32 edges are preferably sealedto an inside surface 89 (FIG. 7) of base portion 88 (of housing 82)using a tub seal gasket 90 (FIG. 10) which conforms to the outer topcontour of tub 32, as generally shown in FIGS. 9-10. Once tub 32 issealed to inside surface 89 of housing 82, recirculating water fountain30 may be rocked, shaken or safely transported from one location toanother without leaking water therebetween. Housing 82 comprises aslender generally pyramidal body portion 87 (FIG. 7) which creates ahighly attractive aesthetic appearance as it rises from the foot printit occupies on a table/desk top (FIG. 1).

[0046] Tub 32 is preferably blow-molded from a suitable plastic materialwith the tub and housing design allowing for the incorporation of one ormore windows for enabling a user to observe the internal water level.For example, a tub water level aperture 91 (FIG. 9) is designed to matchthe opening provided by a water level indicator window 84 on backfountain cover 80 (FIGS. 5, 8), respectively. As generally shown in FIG.5, back fountain cover 80 also includes another oppositely disposedwater level indicator window 86. The provision of a water level windowallows the user to quickly and easily gauge the level of water insidetub 32 during re-filling and/or use of the fountain.

[0047] Recirculating water fountain 30 also comprises a removable bottomcover 92 (FIGS. 6a, 11 a) which may be mounted to the underside of baseportion 88 (of housing 82) after tub 32 has been installed. Tub 32 ispreferably provided with a generally circular drain opening 94 (FIG. 9).Drain opening 94 protrudes through bottom cover 92 through opening 95shown in FIG. 11a. Drain opening 94 enables the tub to be emptied andcleaned relatively easily for the user. During use, drain opening 94 isclosed by drain cap 96 (FIG. 11b). The underside of bottom cover 92 maybe provided with a plurality of integral foot supports 98, 100, 102, 104(FIG. 2) made of synthetic rubber or similar material(s) to preventdamage to a desk/table top surface while the fountain is in use.

[0048] The water fountain 30 further comprises a pump controller 48(FIG. 14) operatively coupled to pump 36 and configured to prevent pump36 from running dry. That is, the controller 48 is configured toautomatically monitor the “running water” level in tub 32 and to shutoff the pump (i.e., “pump-off” mode) when the water level falls below afirst height mark and to prevent resumption of pump operation until thewater level exceeds a second height mark, higher than the first heightmark. In accordance with the invention, this automatic shut offfunctionality is achieved by respectively mounting first and seconddetectors proximate to the first and second height marks. In thepreferred embodiment to be discussed in detail hereinafter, eachdetector comprises a switch which responds to a switch actuatorconfigured to float proximate to the water level in tub 32. For example,the switch actuator can comprise a magnet(s) and the respectivedetectors can comprise reed switches configured to close when a magnetis proximate thereto.

[0049] More specifically, and with reference to FIG. 18, the pumpcontroller automatic shut off subsystem includes a first reed switch 50operatively coupled to pump 36 (via electrical connectors 51, 53) andmounted proximate to a first tub height mark 54. A first magneticactuator 58 is carried by float 59 and positioned to close first reedswitch 50 when the water level drops to the first tub height mark 54.More particularly, the float 59 is preferably toroidally shaped andadapted to move vertically on a tubular guide shaft 62 such that itbottoms against stop 63 and closes reed switch 50 when the water levelfalls to mark 54. The reed switch 50 is preferably encased in resin orsimilar material(s) for waterproof assembly within the guide shaft 62.

[0050] Pump controller 48 also includes a second reed switch 52operatively coupled to pump 36 (via electrical connectors 55, 57) andmounted proximate to a second tub height mark 56. A second magneticactuator 60 is mounted on float 61 to close reed switch 52 when thewater level in tub 32 rises to the second tub height mark 56. The float61 is generally ring-shaped and is adapted to move vertically on tubularguide shaft 64 which preferably houses the second reed switch 52. Thereed switch 52 is preferably encased in resin or similar material(s) forwaterproof assembly.

[0051] The pump 36, reed switches 50, 52, and respective magneticactuators 58, 60, are preferably mounted beneath a removableappropriately shaped pump cover 130, as generally shown in FIGS. 15-16.

[0052] The locations of the first and second tub height marks 54, 56,are selected to allow for the incremental rise in water level whichwould occur every time pump 36 is shut off. Specifically, every timepump 36 shuts off, all the water above the pump in pipe 37, in plenum34, as well as on the ramp flow portion 46 flows back to tub 32 bygravity causing an incremental rise in tub water level. Thus, the heightdifference between the first and second height marks 54, 56 (FIG. 18)should be greater than the measured incremental rise in tub water leveldue to pump 36 shutting off. When the tub water level has, due toevaporation, diminished below height mark 54 and fails to rise to heightmark 56 even with the incremental rise in water level after shut off,pump 36 will safely remain in the pump-off mode until the user manuallyreplenishes the water supply in tub 32. Water may be easily replenishedby the user by removing ramp window 106 from ramp support structure 110and pouring water into tub 32.

[0053] In typical use, pump 36 may operate for about two weeks,depending on the humidity of the operating environment, before shuttingoff as a consequence of evaporation. In general, the amount of timebetween required refills is a function of tub size, amount of waterbeing used in the tub, efficiency of the pump, humidity of the operatingenvironment, as well as how water recirculation is managed within thefountain, i.e. how much water is being lost to evaporation due to heatproduced by internal lighting sources. Conventional recirculating waterfountain designs typically utilize internal halogen light sources whichhave been found to cause a significant rise in water temperature duringoperation of the fountain thereby substantially increasing the speed ofwater evaporation. To resolve this problem, and in accordance with thepresent invention, fountain 30 preferably utilizes an internal lowvoltage LED lighting sub-assembly 114 (FIG. 14) characterized by muchlower level of heat generation when compared to conventional halogenlighting sources. Another advantage of using low voltage LED lightingsources is a much longer LED life expectancy (at least 10 years), whileconventional halogen lighting sources typically burn out in less than 4months.

[0054] More particularly, LED lighting sub-assembly 114 preferablycomprises a series of five blue LEDs, two red LEDs, and two turquoiseLEDs being hermetically sealed under pressure via a generallyring-shaped metal frame 117 (FIG. 16) in a waterproof light transmissivehousing 116, as generally illustrated in FIGS. 14-17. Metal frame 117 ispreferably mounted to the bottom surface of tub 32 substantially behindlight transmissive ramp window 106, as generally shown in FIGS. 14-17,so as to illuminate open flow pathway 38 in a combination of colorsduring operation of fountain 30.

[0055] Each LED of lighting sub-assembly 114 preferably comprises anultra bright LED with a relatively wide range of illumination. The nineLEDs of lighting sub-assembly 114 are adapted to produce fifteenseparate color combinations. The color combinations are controlled by alamp dial 118 (FIG. 20) which is mechanically coupled to a LED dialswitch 120 (FIG. 5). LED dial switch 120 is adapted to cycle throughfifteen different color combinations and is operatively coupled to backfountain cover 80 (FIG. 8). Back fountain cover 80 is adapted formounting to a respective back portion 81 (FIG. 7) of housing 82, asgenerally depicted in FIGS. 3-5.

[0056] In use, turning LED dial switch 120 (FIG. 5) all the way in acounter-clockwise direction would result in LED lighting subassembly 114being turned off. Turning LED dial switch 120 in a clockwise directioncycles lighting subassembly 114 through fifteen different positions(color combinations). What follows is a typical color combinationlayout:

[0057] Position 1=1 Blue LED being “on”. (Light Blue), (Center BlueLED);

[0058] Position 2=4 Blue LEDs being “on”. (Medium Blue), (2 Left BlueLEDs and 2 Right Blue LEDs);

[0059] Position 3=5 Blue LEDs being “on”. (All 5 Blue LEDs);

[0060] Position 4=5 Blue LEDs being “on”, 2 Turquoise LEDs being “on”;

[0061] Position 5=4 Blue LEDs being “on”, 2 Turquoise LEDs being “on”.(2 Left Blue LEDs, 2 Right Blue LEDs, 2 Turquoise LEDs);

[0062] Position 6=1 Blue LED being “on”, 2 Turquoise LEDs being “on”.(Center Blue LED and 2 Turquoise LEDs);

[0063] Position 7=2 Turquoise LEDs being “on”;

[0064] Position 8=2 Turquoise LEDs being “on”, 2 Red LEDs being “on”;

[0065] Position 9=2 Turquoise LEDs being “on”, 2 Red LEDs being “on”, 1Blue LED being “on”. (White LED) (Center Blue LED);

[0066] Position 10=2 Turquoise LEDs being “on”, 2 Red LEDs being “on”, 4Blue LEDs being “on”. (2 Left Blue LEDs, 2 Right Blue LEDs);

[0067] Position 11=2 Turquoise LEDs being “on”, 2 Red LEDs being “on”, 5Blue LEDs being “on”.

[0068] Position 12=2 Red LEDs being “on”, 5 Blue LEDs being “on”.

[0069] Position 13=2 Red LEDs being “on”, 4 Blue LEDs being “on”. (2 RedLEDs, 2 Left Blue LEDs, 2 Right Blue LEDs);

[0070] Position 14=2 Red LEDs being “on”, 1 Blue LED being “on”. (2 RedLEDs, Center Blue LED); and

[0071] Position 15=2 Red LEDs being “on”.

[0072] It should be noted that as new colors are created in LEDtechnology, new colors can be added/upgraded to fountain 30.

[0073] A preferred water fountain 30 may be energized by an internalpower supply 66 (FIG. 20) which is electrically connected to a 110V, 60Hz power source via an external 12V, 1000 mA transformer 68. Powersupply 66 provides power to a controller, or central processing unit(CPU) 70, which controls the operation of pump 36, i.e. turns pump 36on/off via a relay control 72 in response to input signals from thefirst and second switches 50, 52, respectively, and from a manual pumpon/off switch 74. Pump on/off switch 74 may be a standard two-positiondial knob switch operatively coupled to back cover 80 of fountain 30, asgenerally shown in FIG. 5. For example, turning pump switch 74 in acounter-clockwise/clockwise direction will open/close the circuit,respectively. Closing the circuit will enable pump 36 and LED lightingsubassembly 114 to operate as long as the water tub level is at secondtub height mark 56 (FIG. 18) or higher.

[0074] The CPU 70 controls multiple functions including lighting controland pump shut-off operation. FIG. 21 comprises a flow chart depictingexecution of a routine 200 for performing the previously describedautomatic pump shut-off function. Th routine 200 is periodicallyexecuted by the CPU 70, e.g., as part of the CPU's main loop.

[0075] Routine 200 is comprised of decision block 202 which asks whetherswitch 50 (FIG. 18) is closed. If yes, operation proceeds to block 204to shut off the pump and then returns to the CPU's main loop.

[0076] If switch 50 is not closed (meaning that the water level is abovemarkd 54 (FIG. 18), then operation proceeds to decision block 206 whichasks whether switch 52 is closed. If no, then operation returns to themain CPU loop. On the other hand, if sufficient water is in the tub tofloat magnet actuator 60 to mark 56 and thus close switch 52, operationwill proceed from block 206 to block 208 to turn the pump on. Operationthen returns to the main CPU loop.

[0077] CPU 70 also preferably controls one or more of the LED lightsources in subassembly 114 to produce, interesting and pleasing lightingeffects through the translucent/transparent ramp window 106. Oneparticularly significant lighting mode in accordance with the inventionfunctions to produce a flame-like flicker behind the ramp window.

[0078]FIG. 22 shows an exemplary plot of LED brightness vs. time torepresent the desired flicker effect for one or more LED's. Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the LEDbrightness can be varied as represented in FIG. 22 by varying the LEDon/off time during successive time slots. For example, assume that thetime axis in FIG. 22 is comprised of successive contiguous frameintervals of uniform duration (e.g., 1/62.5 sec.). Then assume that eachframe interval is comprised of x successive contiguous time slots (e.g.,128 slots/frame). In accordance with the invention, in order to achievethe desired flicker effect, and LED is held on for a certain number(0−x) of time slots during each frame. FIG. 23 depicts an exemplary LEDoperation during three successive frames n, n+1, n+2 in which the onduration of the LED gradually diminishes.

[0079]FIG. 24 comprises a flow chart depicting an exemplary flickerroutine 300 executed by the CPU 70 for controlling the LED brightness toachieve the flicker effect represented in FIG. 22. Briefly, for eachsuccessive frame, the CPU 70 accesses a new brightness count (block 302)from a stored data table which brightness count represents the desiredLED on duration during the frame. Then, the LED is kept on while thecurrent brightness count is successively decremented until the LED isturned off when the count reaches zero.

[0080] More particularly, at the beginning of each frame, block 302 isexecuted which initializes a prime slot counter and accesses a table toretrieve a new brightness count for the current frame. Operation thenproceeds to decision block 304 which asks whether the current brightnesscount is equal to zero.

[0081] If yes, then operation proceeds to block 306 which turns off theLED. If the answer to decision block 304 is no, then operation proceedsto block 308 which maintains the LED on and decrements the currentbrightness count.

[0082] After execution of either block 306 or 308, the time slot countis decremented in block 310. Operation then proceeds to decision block312 which asks whether the time slot count is equal to zero. If no, thenoperation loops back to decision block 304. If yes, meaning that thefull complement of frame time slots have been completed, operation loopsback to block 302.

[0083] From the foregoing explanation of FIG. 24, it should now beunderstood that during each time frame, the LED will be held on for acertain number of time slots (i.e., 0−x) dependent upon the value of thenew brightness count accessed from the table for that frame. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, each frame has a duration of1/62.5 seconds and is comprised of 128 time slots. This rate issufficiently fast that the eye does not perceive that the LED isactually turning on and off but rather perceives a variation inbrightness, as represented in FIG. 22 which simulates a fire-likeflicker effect.

[0084] CPU 70 preferably also controls additional functions includingthe operation of a water level indicator LED 76 (FIGS. 14, 20) and apower indicator LED 78 (FIGS. 5, 20) in response to input signals fromthe first and second reed switches 50, 52, pump on/off switch 74, andpower supply 66, respectively. Water level indicator LED 76 is disposedwithin back cover 80 and adapted to generally illuminate a rear portion121 (FIGS. 9, 14) of tub 32, and more specifically to illuminate frominside tub 32 water level indicator windows 84, 86 (FIG. 5) so as toallow the user to easily gauge the level of water in tub 32 fromoutside. Water level indicator LED 76 is electrically coupled to reedswitches 50, 52 and is preferably lit when pump dial on/off switch 74(FIG. 5) is in an “on” position. Water level indicator LED 76 preferablyoutputs two levels of brightness, and more specifically, will shine in“dim” mode (via pulse width modulation) when pump dial on/off switch 74is in an “on” position and the water level in tub 32 is at least at tubheight mark 56 (FIG. 19a). Conversely, when the water level in tub 32 islower than height mark 56 (one or none of reed switches 50, 52 being inan “on” mode), then LED 76 will shine in “bright” mode, e.g. a constant5V output at 20 ms. Alternatively, water level indicator LED 76 will notshine at all if pump dial on/off switch 74 is in an “off” position.

[0085] Power indicator LED 78 (FIGS. 5, 20) preferably operates whileCPU 70 is receiving power regardless of the position of dial switchcontrol knobs 74, 120. The operational mode of reed switches 50, 52directly affects the color of light output from LED 78, e.g. red orgreen depending on the water level and reed switch position. LED 78 ispreferably “on” when pump dial switch 74 is in an “off” position.Moreover, LED lighting sub-assembly 114 is adapted to automaticallyenter into an “off” mode when pump 36 is shut off either due to lowwater level or when pump dial switch 74 is in an “off” position.

[0086] CPU 70, power supply 66, water level indicator LED 76 andassociated electronics may be integrated on a printed circuit board(PCB) 67 (FIG. 14). The PCB may be housed in back fountain cover 80(FIG. 8) which could be provided with an electrical plug 85 (FIG. 5)adapted to accommodate a male quick release connector, as generallyshown in FIG. 5. The male quick release connector may be coupled at anopposite end to 12V transformer 68 (not shown).

[0087] The water fountain 30 preferably includes a face plate 132 (FIG.19a) adapted to securely hold decorative members such as marble and wooddecorative members 134, 136 (FIG. 19b). Due to different tolerances ofmarble and wood members 134, 136, a marble bracket 138 (FIG. 19d) and aspring plate 140 (FIG. 19c) may be utilized during manufacturing to holdmarble and wood members 134, 136 tightly against the back side of faceplate 132, as generally illustrated in FIG. 1. Face plate 132 may befurther adapted to securely hold a logo plate, as generally shown inFIG. 19a.

[0088] The removable ramp window 106 and plenum 34 are preferably madefrom material(s) capable of withstanding a temperature of up to 160° F.so as to be dishwasher safe. Furthermore, any tinting used on thesecomponents should preferably be of sufficiently high quality towithstand alteration in appearance due to continuous lighting exposurefrom internal LED lighting subassembly 114 and/or from repeated use inautomatic dishwashing units.

[0089] While the present invention has been described in detail withregards to a single preferred embodiment, it should be appreciated thatvarious modifications and alternatives can be used without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the invention. In this regard it isimportant to note that the invention is not limited to the particularexemplary preferred embodiment described hereinabove. Rather, otherapplications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is,therefore, intended that the present application cover all suchmodifications and alternatives within the scope of the appended claimsand their equivalents.

1. An apparatus configured to pleasingly display a flowing liquid, saidapparatus comprising: a reservoir for accommodating a volume of liquid;a plenum mounted above said reservoir and configured to accumulate aliquid pool; a pump operable in a pump-on mode to pump liquid upwardlyfrom said reservoir to form said liquid pool in said plenum; a visuallyopen flow pathway sloping downwardly from beneath said plenum andconfigured to receive liquid from a plenum overflow for return to saidreservoir; and a controller for alternately defining a pump-on mode anda pump-off mode, said controller including a detector for defining saidpump-off mode in response to the liquid level in said reservoir beingless than a first height mark and for preventing definition of saidpump-on mode unless the liquid level in said reservoir is greater than asecond height mark.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said reservoirincludes at least one peripheral window for viewing the reservoir liquidlevel from outside said reservoir.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid liquid flow pathway includes a ramp portion adapted to support asubstantially smooth sheet liquid flow.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3wherein said ramp portion includes spaced lateral ridges for creatingripples in said sheet liquid flow.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid flow pathway includes a substantially convex surface portionadapted to support a substantially smooth sheet liquid flow.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said flow pathway includes a substantiallyconcave surface portion adapted to support a substantially smooth sheetliquid flow.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said detector includesa first switch mounted proximate to said first height mark and a secondswitch mounted proximate to said second height mark.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein said detector further includes at least one switchactuator configured to float proximate to the liquid level in saidreservoir.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said controller isresponsive to said first and second switches to define said pump-offmode when said liquid falls below said first height mark and tosubsequently define said pump-on mode only after said level rises abovesaid second height mark.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein saidswitch actuator comprises a magnet.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10wherein at least one of said switches is responsive to a magnetic fieldproximate thereto.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising ahousing having wall portions substantially converging upwardly abovesaid reservoir.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said housing wallportions are substantially planar and define interior and exteriorsurfaces; and wherein said reservoir and said wall portion interiorsurfaces are sealed to prevent liquid leakage therebetween.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13 further including at least one decorative panelmounted on a wall portion exterior surface.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1wherein said liquid flow pathway includes a light transmissive portion.16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising at least one lightsource for illuminating said liquid flow through said light transmissiveportion.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said at least one lightsource includes a light emitting diode (LED) mounted in said reservoirand sealed in a waterproof housing.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15further comprising a plurality of light sources adapted to illuminatesaid liquid flow in a variety of colors through said light transmissiveportion.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1 further including at least onelight source energizable to illuminate said liquid flow pathway; and acontroller for variably energizing said light source to simulate a flameflicker.
 20. An apparatus configured to pleasingly display a flowingliquid, said apparatus comprising: a reservoir for accommodating avolume of liquid; a visually open flow pathway having an upstream endand sloping downwardly to a downstream end proximate to said reservoir;a pump operable to pump liquid upwardly from said reservoir to saidupstream end; and a controller for switching said pump off in responseto the liquid level in said reservoir falling below a first height markand for preventing resumption of pump operation unless the liquid levelin said reservoir rises above a second height mark greater than firstheight mark.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said reservoirincludes at least one peripheral window for viewing the reservoir liquidlevel from outside said reservoir.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20 whereinsaid controller includes first and second level detectors respectivelymounted adjacent to said first and second height marks.
 23. Theapparatus of claim 22 further including an actuator configured to floatproximate to the surface of the liquid in said reservoir; and whereineach of said first and second detectors is responsive to the proximityof said actuator.
 24. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said actuatorcomprises a magnet and each of said first and second detectors comprisesa reed switch.
 25. The apparatus of claim 22 further including at leastone substantially vertically oriented guide member mounted in saidreservoir; a substantially toroidal float mounted for vertical movementalong said guide member; and wherein said actuator is mounted on saidfloat.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said actuator comprises amagnet and each of said first and second detectors comprises a reedswitch.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said guide membercomprises at least one tubular member; and wherein at least one of saidreed switches is mounted in said tubular member.
 28. An apparatusconfigured to pleasingly display a flowing liquid, said apparatuscomprising: a liquid reservoir; a pump coupled to said reservoir forpumping liquid upstream to a plenum configured to form a substantiallystill liquid pool, said substantially still liquid pool adapted tooverflow onto an upstream end of a visually open flow pathway configuredto return said liquid overflow to said reservoir; and a pump controlleradapted to prevent said pump from running dry.
 29. The apparatus ofclaim 28 wherein said reservoir includes at least one peripheral windowfor viewing the reservoir liquid level from outside said reservoir. 30.The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said flow pathway includes a rampportion adapted to support a substantially smooth sheet liquid flow. 31.The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said ramp portion includes spacedlateral ridges for creating ripples in said liquid sheet flow.
 32. Theapparatus of claim 28 wherein said flow pathway includes a substantiallyconvex surface portion and a concave surface portion adapted to supporta substantially smooth sheet liquid flow.